The lovely Carissa from JL Designs sent us this thoroughly whimsical wedding she and her entire family helped create for her brother and sister-in-law, Brent and Erin. Full on Old World Circus style in the middle of Missouri. Because she put it so perfectly, thought we’d just give you a quick rundown straight from Carissa:

“This wedding was SUCH a labor of love for our family. It took a year and a half of blood sweat and tears to get it done…seriously everything was custom made – the dress, the benches, the ceremony backdrop, the linens, the games, the signs, the bridge, the dancefloor lining, the electrical rigging/light installation etc. Every vase and decor piece was either found in missouri or brought in from LA by me… its a one of a kinder!”

For sure. There are so many details it would be impossible to describe them all here, but just trust Carissa when she says that everything, literally EVERYTHING, was handmade or custom made or at least thoughtfully planned.

Erin really wanted to hold the reception and ceremony at her parents’ house, but because the house is surrounded by woods with a creek running through, there wasn’t enough space. Just as they were considering changing locations, her father had the brilliant idea to clear a space for the wedding, with his chainsaw.

“With the help of friends, family and neighbors my father forged a path through the woods, built a bridge and cleared a large expanse of land in order to provide a ceremony site. When I first saw the site I was touched by what my father had created for us and how beautiful it was all on its own. The space was calm yet full of life, love and spirit! I remember thinking how we could hold the ceremony that night and I would have been happy.”

Incredible! Where to begin, the parasols & sparklers, the popcorn & peanuts, the “dance off” sign – love it all. I admire a couple who isn’t afraid to go for it and really work a theme like this. Fabulous result – wish I’d been there, ha!

I love this wedding, the colors and details are just wonderful. I too am having a backyard wedding at my parent’s house and I was wondering if they had any advice on the mundane aspects of a backyard wedding, such as bathrooms, parking, tent vs. no tent, etc. I would really love to get some advice from a couple who has been there, done that. Thanks!!

My favorites things about this wedding…the multi-colored upside down umbrellas (wow!), the first dance and then later ‘dance off’ signs, and the fabric wrapped condiments!! There are so many lovely quirks about this wedding. Love!

My favorite things about this wedding…the multi-colored upside down umbrellas (wow!), the first dance and then later ‘dance off’ signs, and the fabric wrapped condiments!! There are so many lovely quirks about this wedding. Love!

Liz U, I would be happy to answer any questions you have. I know there is a lot to think about with a backyard wedding. I actually listed a lot of info on my blog, http://www.erinpotpie.com, but feel free to email me anytime. Love 100 Layer Cake!!!

I am late to the comment party, but I just wanted to add my two cents and say how stunning this wedding is. I love the upside down umbrella, and being totally absorbed by all things papery the invitation is paper porn, I love the circus motif. And the mismatched bridesmaid I love – totally! Great wedding and so many lovely details!

I adore everything about this wedding. Love all the thought that was put into it. It’s all about the details! The parasols above the dance floor are so great. And I always love a mason jar at a wedding.

add me to the list of those whoi adore every detail of your wedding! parasols, outdoor living room, the velvet curtains, the idea of embracing handmade and vintage! i’m in awe of the sheer amount of details you all put into this, it’s truly wedding porn!

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